question mark

American  

[kwes-chuhn mahrk] / ˈkwɛs tʃən ˌmɑrk /

noun

1. Also called interrogation point.  Also called interrogation mark.  a punctuation mark indicating a question: usually, as in English, the mark (?) placed after a question.

2. something unanswered or unknown.

   His identity is still a question mark to most of us.

3. an anglewing butterfly, Polygonia interrogationis, having a silver marking that resembles a question mark on the underside of each hindwing.

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question mark British  

noun

1. the punctuation mark ? , used at the end of questions and in other contexts where doubt or ignorance is implied

2. this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to a possible mistake, as in a chess commentary

3. an element of doubt or uncertainty

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question mark Cultural  

1. A punctuation mark (?) that follows a direct question: “Is Ralph really seven feet tall?”

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Etymology

Origin of question mark

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

The other question mark concerns the lawyer who set up this trust.

From MarketWatch

On top of that, though, there are lots of question marks around the Gunners' form and whether 'the choke' is on.

From BBC

"The fact that we've 'gone there', so to speak, makes it easier for us to have close friendships without any lingering tensions or question marks," she says.

From BBC

Mr. Mann posits an answer, but he concludes his impressively researched analysis with a question mark.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of the biggest question marks over the ceremony, which takes place in Manchester next month, will be over Lola Young.

From BBC

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle